{"product_id":"black-samurai-plakat-male-betta-splendens-freshwater","title":"WYSIWYG Black Samurai Plakat Male Betta (Betta splendens)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family:Georgia,serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:860px;line-height:1.7;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#1E88E5;color:#ffffff;padding:11px 14px;margin:0 0 10px;font-size:0.95em;border-radius:3px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWYSIWYG, What You See Is What You Get.\u003c\/strong\u003e The photo on this listing is this exact fish, not a stock image. There is only one of him, and once he sells the listing comes down.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"background:#E3F2FD;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding:10px 14px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:0.95em;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIn-store pickup only.\u003c\/strong\u003e Your order is reserved, we hold off on bagging until you arrive so it stays healthy in its display tank.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Samurai Plakat Male Betta\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003eBetta splendens\u003c\/em\u003e) looks like he is wearing lacquered armor. Samurai bettas combine a deep black base with heavy, dragon-type metallic scales across the body, and each scale is outlined in black, so the flank reads as a grid of bright plates stitched together with dark thread. The fins stay dark, usually black with a little blue or red showing through at the rays, which makes the metallic body pop even harder. Plakat is the short-finned, athletic form, so he is fast, sturdy, and far less prone to fin damage than a long-finned betta. Browse the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fish\"\u003elive freshwater fish\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/collections\/fresh-water\"\u003efreshwater supplies\u003c\/a\u003e to set his tank up right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eWhy WYSIWYG Matters on a Samurai Betta\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe whole appeal of a samurai is the contrast between the metallic scales and the black mesh around them, and that contrast is different on every fish. Some are almost fully armored from gill plate to tail, others show metallic scaling only on the upper body. The metallic can read silver, steel blue, or green depending on the line, and the black edging can be crisp or smudged. A stock photo cannot tell you where on that range your fish falls. The photo on this page is him, in our tank, as he looks right now. Like all dragon-type bettas, samurai coverage usually keeps building as he ages, so expect him to grow more armored over the months ahead, and expect the metallic shade to shift a little under your lighting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5 gallons minimum, 10 gallons is better. Plakats are active patrollers and use every inch of a larger footprint.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 78 to 82°F, held steady with a heater. A preset unit such as the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/aquatop-pisces-25w-nano-aquarium-heater\"\u003eAquatop Pisces 25W\u003c\/a\u003e is sized right for a 5 to 10 gallon betta tank.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e gentle. Plakats tolerate more flow than long-finned bettas, but a sponge filter like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-bacto-surge-foam-filter-sponge-freshwater-saltwater\"\u003eHikari Bacto-Surge Foam Filter\u003c\/a\u003e gives clean water without a current to fight.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAir gap and a lid.\u003c\/strong\u003e Bettas breathe air at the surface through a labyrinth organ, and plakats jump well. Cover the tank and keep space under the lid.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e pH 6.5 to 7.5, soft to moderately hard. Change about 25% weekly and treat new water with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-betta-basics\"\u003eSeachem Betta Basics\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e carnivore. A quality pellet like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/new-life-spectrum-betta-semi-floating-pellet\"\u003eNew Life Spectrum Betta\u003c\/a\u003e as the staple, with frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms and brine shrimp a few times a week. Keep portions small.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDecor:\u003c\/strong\u003e give him territory. Plants, a cave, and a piece of wood break up sightlines and give him places to rest. A dark background and substrate make the metallic scales stand out.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWatch the eyes.\u003c\/strong\u003e Dragon-type scaling can slowly grow over the eyes in some lines as the fish gets older. It is not painful, but a fish with reduced vision may need food placed close to him.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOne male per tank.\u003c\/strong\u003e Two male bettas will fight until one is dead.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable style=\"border-collapse:collapse;width:100%;max-width:640px;\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eBetta splendens\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis listing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eWYSIWYG, one specific male, quantity of one\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVariety\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eBlack Samurai, black base with black-edged metallic scales\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFin type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003ePlakat, short finned\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSex\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eMale\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eBeginner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eSemi-aggressive, one male per tank\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMax size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eAbout 2.5 to 3 inches\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum tank\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e5 gallons, 10 preferred\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e78 to 82°F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e6.5 to 7.5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLifespan\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e3 to 5 years with good care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eCaptive bred, typically on Thai betta farms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickup\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"border:1px solid #BBDEFB;padding:6px 10px;\"\u003eIn-store pickup at Squeaky's Aquatics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eCompatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA plakat male can share a planted 10 gallon or larger with calm company, but plakats tend to be more assertive than long-finned bettas, so pick neighbors that keep a low profile. Bottom dwellers and cleanup crew are the safest choices: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/panda-cory-corydoras-panda-freshwater\"\u003ePanda Corys\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/black-kuhli-loach-pangio-oblonga-freshwater\"\u003eBlack Kuhli Loaches\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/bumblebee-otocinclus-cocama-zebra-oto-freshwater\"\u003eBumblebee Otocinclus\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/batik-nerite-snail-neritina-variegata-freshwater\"\u003enerite snails\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/amano-shrimp-caridina-multidentata-freshwater\"\u003eAmano Shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e usually hold their own, while small shrimp are likely to be hunted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAvoid fin nippers like tiger barbs, avoid showy long-finned fish such as fancy guppies, and never add another betta of either sex outside a supervised breeding setup. Every betta has his own personality, so keep an eye on the tank for the first week and have a plan B if he decides he rules the whole thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eRecommended Foods \u0026amp; Supplies\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/new-life-spectrum-betta-semi-floating-pellet\"\u003eNew Life Spectrum Betta Semi-Floating Pellet\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fluval-bug-bites-betta-formula\"\u003eFluval Bug Bites Betta Formula\u003c\/a\u003e as the daily staple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fluval-betta-freeze-dried-bloodworms\"\u003eFluval Freeze-Dried Bloodworms\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/sfbb-bloodworms-cube-1-75oz\"\u003efrozen bloodworms\u003c\/a\u003e as a treat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/seachem-betta-basics\"\u003eSeachem Betta Basics\u003c\/a\u003e for water changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-bacto-surge-foam-filter-sponge-freshwater-saltwater\"\u003eHikari Bacto-Surge Foam Filter\u003c\/a\u003e for gentle filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/hikari-dark-rock-cave-aquarium-hide-bettas-shrimp-plecos\"\u003eHikari Dark Rock Cave\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/zoomed-betta-bed-leaf-hammock\"\u003eZooMed Betta Bed Leaf Hammock\u003c\/a\u003e for resting spots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/fluval-betta-tropical-almond-leaves-10-pack\"\u003eFluval Betta Tropical Almond Leaves\u003c\/a\u003e for tannins and a natural look\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"margin:14px 0 4px;font-size:1.05em;font-weight:600;line-height:1.25;border-left:4px solid #1E88E5;padding-left:8px;\"\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the photo really this fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. That is him in one of our tanks, photographed as he is now. That is what WYSIWYG means. There is one of him, so when he sells the page comes down instead of being restocked with a different betta.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes a betta a \"samurai\"?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA samurai is a dark-bodied betta with thick, dragon-type metallic scales, where each scale keeps a black outline. The result looks like overlapping armor plates. Samurai fins are typically dark, which is what separates the look from a pale-finned dragon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is a plakat betta?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlakat is the short-finned form, the shape closest to wild \u003cem\u003eBetta splendens\u003c\/em\u003e. Plakats swim faster and hold up better than long-finned bettas, with far fewer problems from torn fins, fin rot, or tail biting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill his pattern change?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExpect some change. Metallic scaling on samurai and dragon bettas usually spreads as they mature, so a young fish often becomes more heavily armored. The black base and dark fins generally stay put.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes he really need a heater and a filter?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes to both. Unheated bowls are why bettas have a reputation for short lives. A cycled 5 gallon with a heater and gentle filtration is the real minimum, and in that setup a betta commonly lives three years or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan he live with another betta?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Two males will fight to the death, and males and females should only be put together by experienced breeders under supervision. One male per tank, every time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","brand":"Squeaky's Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48913934876891,"sku":"10001185","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/5209\/3403\/files\/0AC5455D-59CB-45F0-A1D7-04BFDF617459.png?v=1789829320","url":"https:\/\/squeakysaquatics.com\/products\/black-samurai-plakat-male-betta-splendens-freshwater","provider":"Squeaky's Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}